Category: Monthly Musings

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

I’m excited to link up with Patty and Holly for the first Monthly Musing of 2024!

This month’s topic is winter self-care.

Oh I’m all about self-care…but sometimes I wish I had more time for it.

1. How do you care for yourself in the winter?

Around December, my skin starts feeling so dry. While I could use body butter all year long, I typically use it the most during the winter months.

My morning quiet time is important to me year round, but I love it in the winter months too…feels extra cozy.

Exercise is another way I take care of myself year round, but during the winter, when it feels like I’m less active outside, I try to be intentional about getting workouts in.

I also try to enjoy a less hectic pace that the new year brings.

2. How do you fight the winter blues?

Honestly, my answers to #2 go along with #1 as well….especially my quiet time and exercise. Also, it’s easy to hunker down when the weather is cold and snowy, but I try to make a point to get out and run errands, grab a cup of coffee, make dinner plans, etc.

3. Tips for making your living space cozy.

Candles make everything cozy.

Last year, I bought a set of flameless candles, and have enjoyed them year round.

Also, this year I decided to keep out my pretty trees from Walmart at least until Valentine’s Day.

4. Suggestions for winter time activities

Well, the kids play outside and sled when it snows.

Hadley had fun ice skating with friends recently.

Honestly, my winter activity, when I have time, has been catching up on tv shows I want to watch.

5. Exercise routines in the winter

My exercise routine is mostly the same as what I do year round…Bodi workouts in my basement. That being said, if the temps are mild or not too cold, I try to go for walks when I can as well.

6. Tips for restful sleep

Well, I’m a high-maintenance sleeper. I like my weighted blanket and sound machine. I still swear by Olly melatonin when needed.

Also, I’m liking this Jergen’s essential oils stick. I put a bit on my wrists and neck after my evening shower.

7. Favorite warm beverage

Hadley likes to ask to go to Starbucks on Friday after school. I’ve tried the pistachio latte recently, and I like it.

In general, coffee is my favorite warm beverage.

8. Best winter skincare tips

I find that I need body butter when my skin is dry. Also, I make sure to use a bit more moisturizer for my morning and night time skin care routine.

I also continue my monthly facial appointments, and my skin feels so hydrated afterwards.

9. Flannel sheets: yes or no?

I love flannel pjs, but I think I’d get too hot if we used flannel sheets….so no.

10. Favorite winter pjs

Well, I could probably have an “all about pjs” post.

This season, I’ve purchased three new pairs of pj’s.

These are light weight and perfect to wear without getting hot. They run big, so size down.

Last year, I donated a few pairs of pjs at the end of winter, so this year I replenished my pjs supply with two new pairs of flannel pjs…one from Walmart and one from Victoria Secret.

This is such a fun link up to kick start the year!

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

It’s the last Thursday of the month, so I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for this month’s Monthly Musings.

This is a fun linkup sharing answers to a certain topic.

This month’s topic is how we holiday.

I feel like “how we holiday” varies year to year, but we also have some traditions that we don’t pass up.

1. Favorite holiday traditions

Some traditions have changed as the kids have gotten older, but we always watch Christmas movies, go to the horse park to see the lights and bake a few batches of cookies.

One of my favorite traditions is putting ornaments on the tree.

Another favorite tradition is letting the kids choose a gift for each other…and then they usually open then on Christmas Eve after church.

2. Favorite holiday fashion items or accessories

I love plaid during the holidays…

3. Favorite holiday recipes

Besides baking, I don’t really have any recipes that I make specifically for the holidays.

For Christmas dinner, we usually have salmon, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

4. How do you celebrate holidays?

As far as celebrating Christmas with our family, we either have a lot going on or very little.

If we are staying home, we celebrate with Trav’s family on the 23rd, go to church on Christmas Eve, and then we celebrate Christmas at home on the 25th.

If we are going to KC for Christmas, we have our family of 4 Christmas on the 22nd, go to Louisville on the 23rd, and then head to KC on the 24th. In KC, we go to my dad’s side of the family on the 24th, and then we spend time with my dad, mom, and Gma on the 25th. It’s a lot, but we make it happen and are happy to see everyone.

5. Do you go see holiday lights?

Besides the horse park, we usually check out other displays in Lexington.

When in KC, we’ve gone to see the Plaza lights a few times, and often go to the “magic tree” in my home town.

This year, Travis and I ended up sick the day after Thanksgiving, but my mom took the kids to the “magic tree” that evening (bottom pic)

6. How do you decorate your house for the holidays?

I do decorate for the holidays. I will say that decorating for Christmas stresses me out a little bit more than decorating for fall. It’s probably just because I feel more of a time crunch, and I always feel busier this time of the year. It can be a lot of effort to enjoy for only a few weeks.

My decorations don’t change much year to year, but I do tend to buy a few new things every year. I just can’t help myself. That being said, after I decorate, I try to toss or donate what I don’t use as to not have too much Christmas decor pile up.

This year, I did buy a new sign from Smallwoods and new garland from Kirklands. Year after year, I try to piece together the mantle, and I’m never happy with the garland. I wanted something pre-lit and substantial, and Kirklands had the perfect garland for my mantle…and I think it ended up being 50% off…and only around $30. (The sign was on sale too!)

Hadley set up the Christmas village which is her favorite thing to do.

7. Real or fake Christmas tree?

We always used to have an artificial tree, but then for about six years, we got a real one at one of our favorite places.

I’ve also been putting up a couple of pencil trees for the past couple of years in my bedroom and the sun room.

This year, we’re back to an artificial tree, and I’m loving it.

8. Favorite holiday treats?

We usually make cookies over winter break. We never really seem to have time before then. When we go to KC, we make German Christmas cookies…Pfeffernusse (my fave) and waffle cookies using the waffle iron made by my mom’s great grandfather in the late 1800’s.

This year, the kids helped bake while Travis and I stayed away because of our germs.

At home, we make peppermint crinkle cookies (I use this recipe and then add in a splash of peppermint extract), peanut butter blossoms, and usually some kind of sugar cookie.

For Christmas dinner dessert, I always make Shay’s Peppermint Mocha Bundt Cake.

9. Do your pets get gifts?

We’ve always given our dogs something…whether it’s a toy, a treat/bone, or a new bed.

Our pups have always had their own stocking too.

10. Best tips to make the holidays less stressful?

I try to make a list early. I wish I shopped earlier too, but I always feel like I have to get through the kids’ November birthday first.

A few years ago, I started making an Amazon list for the kids (and myself) to share with the family for easy shopping. I think everyone appreciates that.

Also, I’ve found that it’s ok to say “no” to things if/when needed. I do like to “do it all,” but I’ve been trying to find that balance through the years. That being said, some things have been taken off my plate as the kids have gotten older…and sometimes that’s actually a bittersweet feeling.

Ahh…after writing this post, I feel really ready for the holidays!

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

Well, it’s almost time to turn the page of the calendar to November, so today I’m sharing my answers to Patty and Holly’s fun end of the month link up.

This month’s topic is Thanksgiving prep.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. We get to see family, enjoy great food, and don’t have the stress of gift giving!

1. What are your Thanksgiving plans?

We typically alternate staying home vs. going to KC for Thanksgiving. This year is a KC Thanksgiving year.

2. Favorite Thanksgiving dish? Please share recipe.

I love green bean casserole at Thanksgiving. I always just use the classic recipe on the side of the French’s fried onion container.

I also love corn casserole, but I tried to make it once, and it was a fail. I will leave it to the Thanksgiving pros (AKA my sister-in-law and/or Trav’s aunts)!

3. Best food prep tips?

I’ve really only hosted Thanksgiving a time or two, and it’s so much work. I’m really grateful for those who have hosted through the years.

Of course, making a list is always helpful, and asking others to bring some of the food is essential too.

4. Favorite Thanksgiving traditions?

I love starting my Thanksgiving morning with the Macy’s parade.

5. Turkey? Ham? Other? Both?

To me, turkey is for Thanksgiving and ham is for Easter!

6. Apple pie? Pumpkin pie?

Pumpkin pie all the way. I love my pumpkin pie served cold with a dollop of Cool Whip!

7. Football or family movie?

There’s typically football on in the background while everyone hangs out and eats at Thanksgiving. Christmas movies start the Friday after Thanksgiving.

8. Stuffing or dressing?

It’s the same thing, right? But…one is inside the bird and one is out?! I definitely don’t like stuffing, but I’ve made sausage dressing a time or two, and I really like it.

9. Turkey trot or Thanksgiving parade?

Thanksgiving parade all the way.

10. Have you ever done Friendsgiving?

Our neighbors hosted a Friendsgiving a few years ago, and it was so nice to get together. That being said, the month of November about takes me out every year with Travis working so much, the kids’ activities and birthday, holiday travel, gift buying and more. So, it’s hard to find the time, at this stage of life, to do some of the extra fun things like Friendsgiving.

Thanksgiving always has been one of my favorite holidays. What’s your favorite part of Thanksgiving?

Posted in Monthly Musings, Seasonal

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday.

Well, where has this month gone? It’s already time for Monthly Musings.

Today, I’m sharing my answers to Patty and Holly ‘s fun monthly link up.

This month’s topic is Fall/Halloween Fun…

It really is starting to feel like fall around here (at least in the mornings and evenings)…and we finally got some rain yesterday! Hallelujah!

I love writing posts “all about fall,” so this topic is definitely for me!

1. Favorite fall traditions

We love going to UK football games and Keeneland. The pumpkin patch is always the highlight of autumn for me. The kids have been able to carve their own pumpkins for a few years now, and that’s a major milestone. haha

2. How do you celebrate Halloween?

For years and years, we’d trick-or-treat with the same group of friends. As the kids have gotten older, everyone now kind of does their own thing now.

I still try to have a “spooky” dinner a day or two before Halloween.

Last year, was the first year since 2009 that Travis and I were back sitting on the front porch passing out candy rather than walking around with our kids while they trick-or-treated.

They still have so much fun with their friends.

3. Favorite fall recipes?

I make Pumpkin Sausage Penne pasta a few times during the fall season

Of course, we love to bake –pumpkin pie, pumpkin cookies, and pumpkin muffins!

I did try a new recipe this past weekend…Apple Cider Donut Cake was a hit with the fam! I will definitely make this again soon!

4. Favorite fall fashion pieces?

I love when it’s sweater/cardigan weather. I needed to replace the black cardigan that I’ve had for years, so I ordered my favorite Amazon cardigan (again!) in black. I now have it in three colors.

5. How do you decorate for fall?

Pumpkins & candles…obviously!

6. Pumpkin spice?

Sure! I love pumpkin muffins and pumpkin bread. I don’t do Pumpkin Spice Lattes though…too many calories, and I don’t enjoy the taste anymore.

7. Thoughts on candy corn

I don’t mind it. Typically, I only eat it when I mix it with peanuts.

8. Favorite fall/Halloween movie?

It’s not a movie, but when the kids were little, we usually watched It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown as a family, but we haven’t watched it in a few years.

Other movies I think of and try to watch during fall are You’ve Got Mail, Sweet Home Alabama, and Hocus Pocus.

9. Apple pie, pumpkin pie or cider donut?

All of the above. That being said, I don’t know that I’ve ever made an apple pie. We tend to stick with all things pumpkin, and I can’t pass up an apple cider donut.

10. Bonfire, hayride or haunted house?

I like when we can find an evening to do a backyard fire, but it’s definitely not a bonfire. haha

Haunted house? No, ma’am.

I always love this link up. I can’t wait to read everyone’s responses.

Happy fall, y’all!

Posted in Monthly Musings, School

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday.

It’s the last day of August, and I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for Monthly Musings. I love reading these posts and seeing how everyone answers these questions.

This month’s topic is Back to School…

It’s hard to believe that we’re on our third week of school already! Thankfully, I feel like we are finally getting in a groove.

1. Where do you typically shop for back to school? Any tips?

It’s changed as the kids have gotten older, but we usually go to the outlet mall at some point to get them new shoes.

While Hayden doesn’t care much about what he wears on the first day, Hadley will always say, “Yes!” to shopping. I shared about her “back to school ‘fit” a couple of weeks ago. Her favorite store is probably Aerie.

2. How do you organize for back to school?

The last couple of weeks of summer, I try to start crossing things off our “to do” list and do a little bit at a time. One day, we might get haircuts, and another day buy school supplies. Right before school starts, I have the kids get everything organized, label their folders, and make sure they have everything they need.

I also have to get my classroom organized, and I always feel so much better after I get it situated. Hadley was a big help this year.

3. Do you meal prep? Any fall recipes to share?

I meal plan more than I meal prep.

I always write our activities and dinners on the magnetic paper calendar on our fridge. Last year, I made a point to do my Kroger pickup on Saturday, so that I wasn’t scrambling on Sundays. I hope to keep that up this year too.

I also try to get our lives/activities organized using the Cozi app.

4. Any back to school traditions?

We always do a “Back to School Brinner” a night or two before school starts. Of course the morning of the first day, I take the kids’ picture.

5. How long does it take you to get in a new fall routine?

Uh…I’m still trying to get that figured out. haha

I do feel like we are getting in a bit of a routine now that we are on our third week of school. Just when we figure it out, I’m sure our evening activities will change and throw us off.

6. Best lunchbox packing tips?

Since middle school, the kids buy school lunch. That being said, Hadley requested this lunchbox this year for days when she wants to take her lunch.

I don’t really have any packing tips. When the kids were in elementary, we’d pack these Yumboxes, and Hadley still uses hers.

I do think it’s best to pack lunch the night before, and I told Hadley that needs to be her plan this year if she’s taking her lunch.

Maybe on the days that Hadley takes her lunch, she will let me put a note in her lunch like I used to in elementary school.

As for me, I do try to plan my lunches. Every week, I usually split a bagged salad with chicken over two days, take leftovers one day, pack an “adult lunchable” another day and so on. I always take fruit and then some days I bring cottage cheese, chips, etc.

7. Best tips for getting out the door in the morning?

This year, I set an alarm for when I need to leave for school. I’ve done a much better job at getting to school on time so far this year.

I try to have an idea of what I want to wear for the week just so I’m not fumbling around trying to figure that out. Often times, whatever I wear to church on Sunday, I wear to school on Monday.

8. Slow cooker? Instant Pot? Neither? Both? Recipe to share.

Slow cooker… always!

I use Shay’s Simmers cookbook at least once a week.

Some of our favorite recipes are Sloppy Joe’s, King Ranch Joe’s, and Taco Tortellini Soup.

9. School bus? Car pool? Walk to school?

When the kids were little, we’d walk to school some and they’d stay after school for childcare or a sitter would pick them up.

Once they started middle school, they started riding the bus in the morning. I pick them up from school most of the time if they don’t have practice. They mostly do something year round, but never really at the same time until track season.

Hayden doesn’t mind to ride the bus home in the afternoon, but Hadley does. haha

It pretty easily works with my schedule to pick them up, so I do what I can when I can.

10. Start school before or after Labor Day?

Before! I wish we just kept it simple with a nice long summer of Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Hope everyone is having a great back to school season.

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Posted in Clothes, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello!

How’s it going?

Today, I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for Monthly Musings. I love this link up because it’s a fun way to answer questions on a specific topic.

This month’s topic is Summer Fashion.

You know I’m no fashionista…and in the summer, I’m mostly wearing workout clothes, pjs, or swimsuit and a cover up…but here we go…

1. Favorite summer outfit?

Besides what I just mentioned above, this two piece set from Shop Style Your Senses is probably my favorite buy of the summer. It’s easy to dress up or down, and it’s super comfy.

This summer feels like the year of the romper, and while I’m not 100% sold that it’s my best look, this one is a go to and easy to wear.

I recently ordered this light-weight cap sleeve sweater, and I love it. It’s an Amazon find, and I wore it two times in Florida with denim shorts.

This week, I remembered these black shorts I bought from SSYS in the spring, and I think it’s a “nicer” look for dinner out.

2. Favorite summer footware?

I truly haven’t changed up my sandals much in the past few summers.

My Birks are still my “go to”…

Then, I mix in the rose gold Amazon slides or gold sandals. I still love the braided heeled sandals I ordered last summer if I need a dressier look. The comfort slides that I’ve had for a few years are still the sandals I wear the most to the pool. (I sized up one size in both Amazon sandals, and half a size in the braided heels)

3. What summer accessories are you wearing on repeat?

I don’t really change up my accessories…I’m still wearing my same bracelets from Daily Gold Co (I never take them off) as well as my Amazon bracelets too.

My favorite pool accessories are this bag from Walmart (I even used it as my carry-on for our Florida vacay…and then used it for the beach)

I have this SSYS swim cover up that I love…

…as well as my favorite one from Amazon that I have in light blue and navy. I picked up both of these last summer, and continue to love them.

4. What do you use for a summer bag?

Like my sandals, I haven’t really changed my bags up either. Again, I love the “summer” Walmart bag for my pool bag.

Then, most days I’m wearing this black cross body, but also brought the quilted belt bag on vacation when I dressed up a bit more but still casual.

I also use this cross body too when I’m a little more put together/less “mom mode.”

5. What summer scents are you wearing?

I also, don’t change my perfume seasonally. I always prefer something light and refreshing. For Christmas, Travis got me Perfect and Daisy Dream by Marc Jacobs as well as Juliette has a Gun, and I still love all three.

6. Maxi dress, romper or jumpsuit?

Besides the pink romper above, I also wear the long version too.

7. Favorite summer sunglasses?

I wear this pair almost daily, but they cracked in my bag on vacation.

Hadley still loves the pair she got earlier this summer…

I also love my Quay sunglasses that I got a couple of years ago and wear them often. I wore them to the pool yesterday!

8. Favorite summer pjs?

Hands down my favorite summer pjs are the gauzy pink ones I found at Target last summer. This summer, I bought them again in gray and turquoise.

(top // bottom)

9. Do you wear white after Labor Day?

I don’t wear much white anyway, but I will definitely still wear my white jeans in September.

10. Favorite summer fashion trend?

Apparently my favorite fashion trend is not changing things up too much…😆

I do tend to wear some brighter colors in the summer…I don’t mind to do that when I’m tan. 😆

What’s your favorite summer piece in your wardrobe?

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Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

How’s your week going? We’ve had a good one with a mix of productivity and fun.

Today, I’m linking up with Patty and Holly for Monthly Musings.

This month’s topic is Summer Fun: Vacay, Trips, and Adventures

1. Favorite vacation destinations

I’ve loved quite a few places that we’ve traveled for vacation: Charleston, Mexico, and San Diego to name a few, but my favorite is Siesta Key, Florida. We’ve been there the most, so my kids are probably the most familiar with SK. We always look forward to a trip there.

2. Best packing tips

For this month’s Let’s Look post, I shared some travel tips, and some of those tips included packing tips. I’d say my top tips are to make needed purchases a couple of weeks out, make a packing list (and now the kids get a list too), replenish travel items as they run out, and use packing cubes.

3. Road Trips or Fly?

We tend to do a bit of both. I guess we road trip more than we fly, but we do occasionally fly. Most of the time, it just makes the most sense to drive wherever we go. Even when we go to KC, which is a nine hour drive, if we were to fly, we’d have to be at the airport an hour beforehand, have a layover, and then KC’s airport is about 45 minutes from where my parents live.

That being said, it is always fun to see the clouds and down below during a flight.

4. Favorite vacation memory as a child?

We didn’t go on tons of vacations when I was a kid. That being said, when we did go on vacation, it was usually a bigger one. Growing up, my parents took us to California twice, Minnesota, and a trip to the northeast where we went to Massachusetts, Delaware, and Maine.

I’d say my favorite memory was going to Disneyland the first time we went to California which was the summer before 6th grade. My aunt and uncle lived in Orange County, and we visited them after they moved there from KC. My cousins who lived in Chicago also visited at the same time, and it was so fun going to Disneyland with everyone. My souvenir was a Mickey pin with my name on it.

5. Ocean, Lake, or Mountains?

For vacation, I’m a beach girl. I don’t necessarily love the ocean, but I love going to the beach. The lake is fun too!

6. Campout or indoor grills?

I don’t grill…and I hate smelling like smoke after a campfire…I’m so much fun. haha

When we went “glamping” for fall break one year, it was fun to make our dinner on the fire…but my thing with camping (and even glamping) is that so much preparation goes in to everything.

7. Favorite summer cocktail or mocktail?

I love a skinny margarita in the summer…

This summer, a cocktail I’ve had a couple of times (after a friend suggested it) is just vodka soda with a splash of grapefruit and lime. That’s an easy one to make a “mocktail” too.

8. Most amazing travel upgrade story?

I can’t say that I have one…

In 2018, we traveled to California for Trav’s work and the Del Mar racecourse was paying for his hotel. They made our reservation at the L’Auberge Del Mar, and it was sooo nice. We’ve been back to California since and stayed at other perfectly nice hotels, but that one was such a treat.

9. Ice cream or popsicle?

Ice cream is definitely a summertime fave.

10. Do you camp?

No.

I’m not saying I absolutely wouldn’t again, but I’ve always said I don’t mind being outside from sunrise to sundown, hiking, and making s’mores…but then I prefer to go back to the Marriott for a nice shower and a comfy bed.

We went glamping for fall break a few years ago, and it was fun.

In a recent post, I shared a story about the one and only time Travis and I went camping…I was younger and in the “honeymoon phase” of a new relationship…lol

This is always such a fun link up. I’m glad that summer is in full swing!

Posted in Holidays, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday!

Some months I feel like they seem to fly by, but May sure felt like it lasted forever! That being said, I can’t believe this time next week it will be June! Since it’s the last Thursday of the month, Holly and Patty are hosting their Monthly Musings link up.

This month’s topic is: Celebrating Memorial Day Weekend

Ahh…one of my favorite weekends of the year. Of course Memorial Day has significant meaning as we honor those who lost their lives serving our country.

Memorial Day Celebration with American Flag on background. Text “Memorial Day – Remember and Honor”

It’s also the start of summer. The pool opens, alarm clocks can be turned off, grills are turned on, and everyone can enjoy the warm summer sunshine.

1. How are you spending Memorial Day weekend?

Well, tomorrow is the last day of school…and usually I’d be in my pjs by 7:00, but our friends invited us over to grill out/hang on their patio. Saturday, we’ll spend the day at the state middle school track meet. Sunday and Monday we don’t have any official plans, and by that time, I’m sure I’ll be ready to relax. Our pool opened yesterday. We’ve had beautiful weather this week, but it’s only supposed to be mid-70’s the next few days. I’m sure the kids (especially Hadley) will head to the pool Sunday/Monday. I will probably go for a bit as well at some point.

2. Favorite ice cream?

My favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip!

3. Memorial Day travel or hanging out at home?

We never travel for Memorial Day…it’s always too close to the end of the school year. So, we will be at home when not at the track meet.

4. Burger? Hot dog? or both?

I love a good hot dog. We actually went out to dinner last Friday to a local spot, and I ordered a hot dog with cheese and pickle. It was so good.

There’s another local place called Boonedogs that we’ve been to a time or two, and it’s good as well.

5. Favorite cookout sides?

I love a good pasta salad. I made Shay’s Pepperoni & Bell Pepper Pasta Salad recipe this past weekend, and it’s really good.

This one I found on Pinterest years ago is one I make often as well.

6. White before or after Memorial Day?

For me, I typically wait until after Memorial Day…but that’s not because I’m trying to follow any fashion rule. I prefer to be tan before wearing white. I did wear my white jeans to school yesterday with a bright pink top…but I also made a visit to the Sun Tan City spray tan booth this past weekend.

7. Memorial Day traditions?

We don’t really have any Memorial Day traditions…not like we we seem to have for the 4th of July.

As a kid, I remember my extended family getting together for Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day weekends.

I joke that there are two kinds of Memorial Day weekend people…those who do yardwork, and those who go to the pool. Guess which one I’m married to! Plus, since I know I will have pool time in the summer, I’m not rushing to go over Memorial Day weekend when it’s so crowded.

It does seem like most years we grill out with neighbors at some point and go to the pool for a bit.

8. Share a summer recipe.

This Asparagus Fries recipe I found on Pinterest years ago, is a winner. My whole family loves them. This weekend, Travis picked up chicken to grill and came home with asparagus too. He requested this as a side. It’s one of Hadley’s favorites as well.

9. Parades, fireworks or cookouts?

Cook out and pool!

10. Show us your red, white, and blue…

For the patriotic holidays, I always put out a few flags…

…and I miss the days of the kids *willingly* wearing red, white, and blue…but how festive is Homer?

What are your Memorial Day weekend plans? Our weather looks amazing. I’m definitely ready for the weekend!

Posted in Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday.

Since this month is wrapping up, it’s time for Patty and Holly’s Monthly Musing link up.

This month’s topic is: All About Spring

We’ve hit a cold snap this week, but thankfully the sun has been shining. I know spring weather is fickle, but I much prefer the warmer days!

1. Favorite spring fashion pieces?

Whenever this topic is asked, I always share a cardigan. Cardigans…it’s “giving” teacher fashion. When the weather starts to turn warmer, I start wearing cardigans over my dresses.

2. Favorite spring scent?

I love candles, and we always have at least one burning in the house. I always choose “lighter/fresher” scents like citrus and floral.

3. Go to spring meals?

Well, we’re so busy in the spring, I feel like I’m using my slower cooker still quite a bit. That being said, it’s always great when we can start grilling out! It’s just nice to have chicken or burgers and hot dogs and then serve quick and easy sides like baked beans, fruit, or pasta salad.

4. Spring dessert recipe

The first thing that popped in my mind is strawberry shortcake. We probably do eat that more in the summer though. I did make Shay’s Fruity Pebbles Nieman Marcus bars recently, and they were delish.

5. Spring traditions

Some favorite spring traditions are dyeing Easter eggs, going to Keeneland, and watching the Oaks and Derby.

6. Spring cleaning hack

Lauren shared about decluttering and getting rid of something (trash or donate) and the number correlates with the day of the month. I started a bit late in April, but I did spend at least a week being intentional with going through junk drawers, random drawers I rarely open, my closet, the kids’ closets, the basement, and more. I still need to go through my dresser drawers and a few things in the garage, but at least I made the effort to “spring clean” a bit.

7. Will you plant a garden this year?

I’m not sure if we will or not. Anything in the yard is Trav’s domain. We’ve only done a garden a few times, but we’ll see.

8. Spring rain…love or hate?

I love a rainy Saturday or Sunday when there are no plans. I joke that it gives me “permission to be lazy.” If it’s raining, I can sleep in and do things around the house. That being said, of course, I hate when we have outdoor plans and it rains. For example, the kids have an outside field trip today that’s TBD due to the rain. I’m worried that tomorrow night’s track meet will be in yet another torrential downpour.

9. Favorite spring flower?

I always love when Trader Joe’s has their peonies in late spring/early summer.

10. Any spring travel plans?

Well, we already did our spring travelling when we went to Greenville, SC earlier this month. We loved it.

We don’t have any other travel plans for this spring. As a matter of fact, we still haven’t planned summer vacation yet!

This link up is always a fun one. I can’t wait to see what other people have to say.

Thanks so much for reading,

Posted in Amazon, Clothes, Monthly Musings

Monthly Musings

Posted on by jgalvinwhite

Hello and happy Thursday.

I love that Patty and Holly host this fun link up. I feel like it always has me thinking/planning ahead for the next season or holiday.

This month’s topic is: Essential Spring Fashion Pieces

Anytime there is the word “fashion” in the topic, I’m hesitant to post. I don’t know much about fashion… haha…but here are some of my ideas.

1. How do you transition your wardrobe?

I usually transition my (school) wardrobe by wearing dresses and throwing on a cardigan to wear to school. I love a dress…and I love a cardigan, so spring and fall are my favorite times to dress for school.

2. Favorite spring item?

I loved this cardigan so much that I bought it in two colors last year.

3. Favorite spring footwear?

Once the weather warms up and the sun starts shining, I really can’t wait for sandal weather.

Amazon has provided some of my favorite footwear over the past couple of years like these Birk dupes and a couple pairs of slides.

Also, I can’t wait to wear my Birks that I purchased from Nordstrom at the end of last summer. I wore them for as long as possible last fall.

4. Favorite colors you wear in the spring?

I will be the first to admit that I don’t gravitate towards tons of color, but I do love pink in the spring…and the summer (when I’m tan!)

Blue and purple are other favorite colors to wear in the warmer months.

5. Favorite spring accessory?

I don’t change my jewelry much at all. Spring and summer are the perfect time to wear a statement earring, but if I’m not wearing my regular stud earrings, then I’m probably “dressing up” with a gold hoop.

I’m still loving my bracelet stack which is a mix of Daily Gold Co and Amazon.

6. Ways to add spring to your outfit when the weather doesn’t cooperate?

Throw on a bright pink cardigan and go!

7. Do you change up your makeup routine in the spring?

Kind of link with jewelry, I don’t change much. Basically, I just change my foundation as I get more color in my face. I still love Seint makeup, and I’ve been wearing the “Amber” shade highlight in the winter, and soon it will be time to switch to “Mango.”

During/after spring break, I will start using my Jergens “Instant Sun,” and I’ve already started adding in the L’Oreal Sublime Bronze drops into my face moisturizer at night and am starting to see a bit more color.

Really, I can’t wait for summer as I rarely wear makeup…and I like to be tan!

8. Puff sleeve trend. Yes or no?

I’m not against a puff sleeve, and I’ve seen a few cute options. That being said, apparently I love a “flutter” sleeve right now.

9. Do you change up your mani/pedi colors in the spring?

I’m pretty traditional with my mani color. I pretty consistently wear some version of pink all year long. That being said, in the fall and winter, I will try darker colored nail polish.

Once spring hits, I lock in with Funny Bunny or Bubble Bath for my SNS. In the summer, I usually try dark pink or a turquoise for my pedi color. I hope to cash in a gift card over break and get a pedi.

10. Favorite spring tote?

I carry a smaller purse in the spring/summer. My gold cross body is a fave, and I like that I can switch out the strap to change it up.

While I still love this one that I got last year for when I’m more dressed up:

So many color options in this purse.

I did just purchase this saddle/boho purse, and I’m excited to try it.

I wanted to have another crossbody option that is a little bigger and more everyday. I actually ordered a few to try, and this one was my fave by far (and less than $20!)

So, now I feel like I have a small, medium, and larger version of a crossbody for the spring/summer months.

Ahh…I didn’t think I’d have much to add to this topic, but I was able to share a bit about some of my favorite spring fashion items.

On my “to do” list over break is to pull items from my closet that I didn’t wear this winter in order to tidy things up a bit before summer.

See you back here tomorrow for Friday Faves.

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